Have you met Catherine?
I’m Catherine Nikkel, 33 years old from Toronto, Canada. I am a mother, full time child and youth worker, blogger and spend free time creating income from home via the internet with a home based business.
Why did you start blogging about personal finance?
I started blogging, and writing content articles for Personal Finance in 2012 where I was at one of my lowest points financially. I had found I was tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and want a change, a break, a chance. I wrote about my struggles, and share my successes to inspire others to decide to take ownership of their finances and ultimately their lives too.
Which part of financial literacy do you focus on most?
First and foremost budgeting - a budget gives you real, tangible numbers to work with and plan accordingly. If based on the income earned, allows for additional savings - then absolutely that should be a focus for times that things may not be as stable, or an extra expense surprises you. Paying off debt (and I will be debt free October 2015) has been the most rewarding experience (outside of being a mother!) of my life.
When did you decide to take control of your finances?
I decided in April 2012 while I sat crying in the bank managers office because I was denied another consolidation loan. This was one of the lowest points of my life. I decided at that moment I was better than this, I was resourceful, and I needed to make a change.
What was your biggest financial success?
I will be completely debt free October 2015.
What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is my son, because he deserves the very best including the best of his mother emotionally. Another motivating factor for me, is sharing my story with others to inspire them to make the same change.
What applications do you use for personal finance?
Simply enough, I use an agenda with a spreadsheet attached to the beginning of every month. I record additional outside the budget purchases on a side panel of the weekly pages. Tax purposes, I use an application called TaxBot.
If you could go back in time what would you do differently to better your financial future?
I would stay away from credit as much as possible - I found the banks love to give more the more you owe. I realized I would use my credit cards to gain points, etc despite having cash in my accounts or wallet. I was a mother at a young age (16) and wish I had known far more about money, real practical money - things I believe the school curriculums should consider earlier on.
What are your favorite blogs?
My favourite blogs are written by Gary Vaynerchuk, GEM (start up), Free Range Kids, and really anything small business, social media related I can lay my eyes on!
Do you have a side hustle?
I am a Network Marketing professional that I earn monthly residual income from based on a lucrative, global compensation plan. I also do content writing/ghost writing for other bloggers and authors.
What is one piece of advice you want people to take away from your experience?
Stay consistent and resourceful - there is an end in sight. Be informed as a parent, consumer, etc of sales, deals, free activities, etc. Take advantage of help offered to you - Pride won’t help you become debt free, and financially aware, but it will help you later to encourage others to stay the course.
Where can people learn more about you or follow you?
People can connect with me on social media and connect with me on my own blog at www.90daysinmyshoes.com.
















